Conductor Rowland Killed, Brakemen Injured In Train Derailment in Tarboro, Dec. 17, 1919

From The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Dec. 17, 1919

Conductor Rowland Killed, Three Brakemen Injured in Freight Wreck at Tarboro

Tarboro, Dec. 17—Monday night at 10:35 o’clock, extra freight train No. 97 wrecked in the city limits of Tarboro, killing conductor W.N. Rowland and injuring three brakemen, two seriously.

The train was headed south, coming into Tarboro, and wrecked immediately after it had cross Tar River. The switch was set right, and the engine and 28 cars passed over without accident. It was presumably thrown under the train by an unknown part, as the switch lock was found out of place and on the ground.

The cab was thrown in Beer House siding, striking some other cars, demolishing the cab, overturning the stove and setting fire to the cars.

Conductor Rowland died on the way to a hospital. Brakeman J.P. Galloway was badly injured about the head and shoulders, and Brakeman R.C. Bogart was badly injured about the feet and legs. Both are under special treatment at Edgecombe General Hospital. Brakeman E.W. Rigsby was slightly injured about the legs and head. The latter received medical attention and went home Monday night.